1
as in to frown
to take on a gloomy or forbidding look
his face slowly darkened as we told him the sad news
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to obscure
to make dark, dim, or indistinct
years of accumulated grime have darkened the painting until it can barely be seen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to mar
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
the scandal darkened his otherwise sterling reputation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of darken
Snag these room darkening curtain panels for just $11, or cozy up your bed with new throw pillows and this chunky knit throw blanket.
—
Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
While newer formulations tend to avoid these ingredients, some still include actives that can be harsh, especially on sensitive areas like the underarms, where skin is thinner and prone to irritation or darkening.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
As the fourth official put up his electronic board with Danny Welbeck’s number on it, the mood in the away end began to darken.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
By most measures, Trump’s takeover has darkened the center’s financial picture.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darken
Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
While newer formulations tend to avoid these ingredients, some still include actives that can be harsh, especially on sensitive areas like the underarms, where skin is thinner and prone to irritation or darkening.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
As the fourth official put up his electronic board with Danny Welbeck’s number on it, the mood in the away end began to darken.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
By most measures, Trump’s takeover has darkened the center’s financial picture.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darken
Verb
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Doctors stare at X-ray transparencies and frown, just a little.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
13 May 2025
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His stat sheet — 7 of 22 from the floor for 18 points in the Thunder’s Game 3 loss — frowned.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
10 May 2025
Verb
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Advisors who can build trust and act as a central coordinator for these services are invaluable—and often become long-term partners even after the spotlight fades.—
Jason Katz,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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When possible, keep your collection in a cool, dry place (away from direct sunlight) to prevent early deterioration or fading over time.—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Again the water spray obscured what happened there just before the twister lost its power.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
10 May 2025
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Derrick White and Jrue Holiday were almost good enough to obscure the absence of Brown and Tatum in the game’s final 20 minutes.—
Bill Speros,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2025
Verb
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The Mavericks had a season marred by injuries and executed a trade that not only shocked the NBA but also enraged fans.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
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Finding an innovative, sustainable path to parity—without triggering the kind of prolonged labor disputes that have marred the sport’s past—will do far more for the game than any piece of equipment ever could.—
John Cairney,
Sportico.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Among other things, Biden appeared to repeatedly lose his train of thought, made halting statements and stared blankly into the audience.—
Sonam Sheth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
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The mirrors reflecting the best poems are slightly warped so that reading feels like staring into rippling passages.—
Terrance Hayes,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025
Verb
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If a vigorous plant begins to blacken at the top or whole branches are dying back, this is a sign that something is wrong.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 May 2025
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Ice, for serving Lime wedges, optional garnish Mint sprigs, optional garnish Roast the pepper until the skin is uniformly blackened.—
Kelly Brant,
Arkansas Online,
6 May 2025
Verb
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The 20-episode series aims to blur the line between reality and imagination, mixing comedy and drama with a nostalgic nod to the vibrant ’90s era that shaped him.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
15 May 2025
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Further blurring the picture: the Trump administration announced a 90-day pause on the highest import fees for dozens of countries in early April and a similar truce with China on Monday that allows the two sides negotiate further.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Dodge won't spoil the surprise by confirming if the last one will be based on the Charger or the Challenger (or maybe both), but the evidence suggests the latter is more likely.—
Jack Fitzgerald,
Car and Driver,
13 Feb. 2023
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Farmers’ broiler chickens suffocate, and dairy products spoil.—
Monica Mark,
The Christian Science Monitor,
10 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Darken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darken. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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